Ligue 1 Preview: Lyon v PSG

Paris Saint-Germain can finally be crowned Ligue 1 champions if they are victorious against Lyon at Stade de Gerland on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have not been afforded an easy ride by second-placed Marseille this season but can clinch the title with three points away from home.

PSG will be without captain Thiago Silva for the game as the Brazilian defender has been given a two-match ban for pushing the referee during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Valenciennes.

Sporting director Leonardo has been slapped with an indefinite ban following a further offence on the same official, and PSG could even have points deducted.

After the game, Leonardo told reporters: "He's a referee who has done 10 matches, this was his 10th, and he has given 48 yellows and five reds.

"This was a calm match and he has brought out seven yellows and one red. I don't understand why we have a referee with nine matches for a big game like this. I don't understand."

PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted the suspension of Silva was not ideal, but said the club would also welcome back some key players for the match.

"It was a bizarre match, and tough," Ancelotti said. "We didn't start well, and we got a bit frustrated. But in the second half the team showed a lot of character to stick together and equalise.

"We'll have a few suspensions to deal with in Lyon, but we'll have some players back too, like (Thiago) Motta and (David) Beckham.
"Lyon will be playing for the Champions League while we're looking to secure the title."

The hosts will not be easily defeated as they are still hoping to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League with a third-placed finish.

Remi Garde's side have collected 10 points from their last four fixtures and have opened up a three-point gap ahead of Nice in fourth following Sunday's 3-0 win over Nancy.
First-choice goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury and will be replaced by Anthony Lopes, who has just three Ligue 1 games under his belt.

After the PSG test, Lyon face a tricky away assignment against Nice - in a match that could shape their European ambitions - before hosting Rennes in their final game.